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After a week's journey, Count Leo reached the Capitol in Ifeland, it wasn't very different from what he remembered when he visited it last time 6 years ago, he was followed by his entrouge consisting of Advisors, Gaurds and Servants.

He first went to House Fortis' manor located on the edge of the imperial city, which was gifted to him by Emporer Daegan himself 30 years ago, he bathed and changed into a court appropriate robes, he than directly headed towards the Imperial palace

He took a deep breath when he entered the Imperial palace, he should try his best to keep calm if he ever saw the chancellor, he knew that by now his house had concluded half of its plans in Timarctus, he hoped that no news reach Ifeland about it, but if it did he already knew what his house excuse was.

He entered into the waiting hall, and saw the other gevernors sitting on comfy sofas while the Servants served them tea, he guessed that they were the leaders of the coalition, he decide to be civil "good day, gentleman" he greeted in calm tone as he sat on the sofa.

It was late at night and darkness had shrouded the palace. As Minister Herald Isaiah hurriedly entered the waiting hall, he approached the governors, saying, “Greetings, esteemed guests. It is an honour to be able to meet all of you. However, with great sorrow, I have to inform you that Emperor Damian has fallen sick and his current physical state forbids him from leaving his residence. He would like for all of you to proceed towards the inner palace and pay him a visit.”

With that, Isaiah led the lords to the inner palace. Unfortunately, upon reaching the entrance to the inner palace, they were stopped by the gatekeeper. 

He said, “Under the Chancellor’s orders, the inner palace is out of bounds to external vassals.”

Isaiah explained, “His Majesty is ill and has summoned Marquis Douglas, Count Gerald, Count Theodore and Count Leo to come pay their respects.”

The gatekeeper replied, “It is rather late now so please return tomorrow.”

Isaiah glared at the gatekeeper in annoyance and growled, “Do you not know who I am? I am the Minister Herald and His Majesty has granted me the privilege to enter and exit the inner palace as I please. How dare you stand in my way? Step aside or you shall be punished for your insolence.”

The gatekeeper replied, “Very well, you may enter with the lords.”

As expected, the governors were granted entry but their retinues had to stay behind. Having led the governors to Emperor Damian’s dwelling, he excused himself and returned back to perform his official duties. After which the Empress Consort went out personally to welcome them as she led them to Emperor Damian’s bedroom before excusing herself.
After arriving at City Pegasus, General Percival immediately ordered his troops to hurry to their assigned positions. The city guards may be well rested and ready for the enemy but the reinforcements he brought along with him had been travelling until now. The troops were allowed to rest but anyone caught being distracted would be severely punished. Meanwhile back in his castle, Marquis Lambert was reading the dispatch sent by General Valin. He thought, I see, so this invasion is Chancellor Devagus's idea. Although I am loyal to the throne, I will not flee the province I have been assigned to defend unless the situation demands so. If Valin's army manages to break through City Pegasus, I shall issue the order to flee to Senzetor. If not, I shall remain in Luoyang.

By nightfall the force had arrived at Pegasus. Valin ordered the men to stay out of range of the city archers while a siege was prepared. "Aldus oversee the immediate construction of siege equipment. The appropriate supplies will be arriving in the porter carts that were following the army. You have until morning, I intend to begin our attack just before sunup.

With that information in mind Aldus immediately went to work as the bulk of the army rested. General Valin talked strategy with his remaining officers. Terror would be the greatest hope for taking Pegasus. The city must fall, and it must do so quickly and efficiently. An extended siege would only exhaust Valin's forces. The strategy was simple enough. Just before sunup the trebuchets would begin a bombardment of the city. Pegasus had a major design flaw for all its glory, its eastern fall faced a large hill which allowed Valin's siege weapons extra range. In addition to this, the sun would rise from behind this hill temporarily blinding the Pegasus defenders to Valin's army allowing them to advance on the city harassed for a brief time.

With the time until sunrise just an hour away the army moved into formation. The cavalry remained at the top of the hill just fore of the siege equipment so they could advance where needed. Ahead of them were the archers midway up the hill. At the base of the hill just out of range of Pegasus archers was the infantry. All of the torches in Valin's army were extinguished. It was silent except for the occasional clinging of armor. "FIRE!" The order came suddenly a swiftly from the General mounted atop his steed. A moment later the clang of the siege equipment could be heard as they jettisoned rocks towards the city.

Douglas returned Leo's greeting, before the minister arrived and then followed the minister into the inner palace.

And the same to you Count Leo. Congratulations on retaking your ancestral province, you have brought much honour to house Fortis.

The Miranti retinue sat outside the gate to the inner palace, Wook, Emir's sister was one of those left waiting, and she looked to two of her maids and sent them to find water for her parched throat. The two maids immediately vanished back the way they'd come. They sought the kitchens, which were easy enough to find, and then asked which way they should go to catch up to their master who had been summoned to see the Emperor in the inner palace. Being lowly servants, they would not be allowed to use the main gate, where everyone else waited, but instead would be forced to use the servants passages, which were frequently left unattended, or lightly guarded, simply due to the shear drain on man power maintaining a proper guard would have on the garrison. Not to mention the guard's habits of wandering off with one of the servants from time to time. The maids joined several other servants heading to serve the emperor, assisting them with the numerous trays of fine china and the heavy golden tea pot, with fresh tea brewing inside.

5 days before Count Leo reached Ifeland

House Fortis army have left their barracks in Blencathra and Asopeos simultaneously and marched for two days until they reached their side of Timarctus border, they marched for another day and finally reached the targeted keeps.

Hidden in the vegetation outside Axedrop Keep, sat Acting Commander-in-Chief Fang next to Acting Vice Commander-in-Chief Snout on their respective lions, behind them stood 5,000 Men carrying banners of House Fortis and Blencathra.

Sizing the keep up, Fang gazed at the young man next to him "I was entrusted by Commander-in-Chief Claw to take his position as he was assigned as Acting Governor by our Honorable Count as he left to Ifeland, we will not fail them" he said seriously.

Snout nodded "Of course, it is also a honor to me to be acting in your position sir" he said with a polite and respective tone.

Claw smirked at this, impressed by how good morals the young man had even after 15 years of forced service in the barbarian army, he looked at the sun position in the sky and guessed the timing "It's about noon, we will be attacking at midnight, hopefully our Asopeosian army have settled next to their targeted Keep like we did" he stated as he turned around and moved back to the set camp followed closely by Snout.

Similarly, On the other side of the province, outside Highsilos Keep sat Commander-in-Chief Mane next to Vice Commander-in-Chief Jaws on their respective lions, behind them stood 5,000 Men carrying banners of House Fortis and Asopeos.

Mane sighed tiredly "I hope that Young Lord Raion doesn't decided to follow us" he said as he remembered how hard it was to make the young Imperially unrecognized Governor understand that his job conducts that he stay in his castle and avoid joining any battles that does not require his presence.

Jaws snorted "true, I hope that too" he said as he remembered how his superior was a lion's whisker close from locking up their naïve Governor in his bed chambers.

Mane shook his head "anyway, according to the plans we received from our homeland 3 days ago, our armies should attack their targeted keeps at midnight, till then we better rest up and prepare for the attack" he stated as he turned around and moved back to the setup camp followed closely by Jaws.

At midnight, House Fortis armies attacked their targeted keeps simultaneously and as expected the keeps were lightly guarded with only half of its original garrison, House Montgomery troops were caught of guard not expecting at all an attack from House Fortis and they fell miserably, out of the total 5,000 that guarded the keeps 4,000 were killed and the rest surrendered and were in turn absorbed into House Fortis ranks, the latter only losing a total of 500 men.

After a day of marching both armies entered Rebel controlled lands, it took another two days to reach the Peasant Rebel's Capital Hayfield, coincidently, both armies reached it with only 5 minutes difference, they were welcomed by the Peasant Rebels a welcome only suited for heroes, all with the flower petals thrown in the air part, Fang greeted his old comrades warmly making Snout feel a bit left out but he just shrugged it off.

The four commanders were directed to Rebel Commander Berwick's humble adobe which was the only building made of stone in the rebel's self-proclaimed capital, entering the building, they saw that the commander was already seated on a meeting table, he was a bulky tanned man in his mid-forties, with an unshaven face and messy black hair, Snout noted that he looked like a barbarian, albeit less hairy, however instead of the sneer that marred his old comrades' faces, Commander Berwick was grinning genially at them motioning for them to take a seat.

As they all sat, Berwick decided to speak first "Welcome commanders of House Fortis, I would like to thank you for deciding to assist us in our cause and I believe with your help we could cleanse our land from the cruelty of House Montgomery" he said while spelling out his enemies' name in disgust.

Mane nodded in agreement "It's a pleasure to finally meet the Stalwart Commander of the humble rebels, we are glad to inform you that we brought with us a total of 20,000 weapons for your subordinates to use, some from our own barracks and others we looted when we took over Axedrop and Highsilos keeps from House Montgomery troops" he said the good news to the Commander.

Berwick was more than pleased to hear the number of weapons that are now being supplied to his man plus the defeat of House Montgomery by the lion's paw, he bowed in thanks for their saviors "Thank you very much for everything" he said sincerely.

Fang just shrugged it off "you can thank us all you want when we usu-I mean overthrow the tyrant governor" he said praying that the Commander didn't notice his slip of tongue.

Thankfully, Berwick simply nodded still smiling "so mind if I ask what's your plan?" he asked curious of what strategy House Fortis decided to use against their unworthy Governor and his oh so great House.

Fang and Mane debriefed the Commander of their plans, he was more then impressed at House Fortis' cunning strategy at the invasion of Goldbarn stage of their plan, he stood up from his seat and soon was mimicked by House Fortis' four commanders "Alright, we will commence the training of my fellow peasants today" he said seriously as he left his house followed by his guests.

It took 3 days for the Peasant rebels to learn how to use swords, spears and crossbows to an acceptable level and soon half of the rebels army were brandishing decent weapons, the Commanders decided that they needed to loot even more weapons so in the time of 2 days they raided 2 enemy keeps, the rebels lost 10,000 men and House Fortis lost 2,000 men as the keeps were better guarded and anticipated an attack by the rebels, but the good news was that most of the rebels are now fully equipped with decent weapons ready to march on Goldbarn.

Meanwhile, in the Capital of Timarctus, Viscount Edwin Montgomery was seated on his Gold-platted throne inside his extravagant Throne room, receiving the news of the Rebels victories assisted by House Fortis, to say he was angry was an understatement "Damn those lowly filthy lions, House Fortis shall pay greatly, prepare the army to attack Asopeos and Blencathra!!" The madman shouted at his generals.

His War Advisor shook his head "My lord, we cant use our army to attack two provinces, let alone one, while the rebels posses a direct threat to our own capital" he said trying to reason with his crazy governor.

The Viscount thought about what his advisor said and then angrily threw his golden wine goblet on the floor with a clunk "I swear when I crush those filthy Peasants and their pathetic rebellion, I'm going to skin that Old Lion" he said while grinding his teeth.

On the tenth day from the start of the operation the 50,000 Rebels were just half a mile away from Goldbarn, three quarters of them were now fully equipped with swords, spears and crossbows, House Fortis army of 8,500 was also there to support them, Commander-in-Chief Fang ordered that all the lions present give one mighty roar and they did as ordered.

Back in Goldbarn, the guards on the walls heard the lions' roar and suddenly felt very uneasy, the hungry citizens of the working class behind the walls heard the roar too and soon, the spies implanted by House Fortis started their part of the plan by calling for the people in public squares, markets and inns to rise against the tyrant governor and open the capital's gate for their saviors, the working class citizens were riled up and they attacked the city garrison with anything they could use as a weapon, many guards just surrender not wanting to hurt their families who were part of the rioters, but others of aristocratic background started killing citizens here and there, even innocent bystanders.

By the time the rebel and House Fortis armies reached the city walls, the rioters have already breeched them from the inside, distracting the guards that were on their posts, and in a small amount of time the gates were opened by the rioters for the rebels to enter and soon the city was flooded with rebels.

half of the 30,000 House Montgomery' troops stationed in he capital were killed and the other half surrendered to the rebels, rioters and House Fortis' might, the rebels and rioters lost a total of 8,000 men while house Fortis lost 1,000 men.

Viscount Edwin Montgomery was on his way to escape the fallen city but was caught by House Fortis army, he was then given to the rebels so that they would be the ones to decide his destiny, which was obviously death.

House Montgomery flag was brought down from the castle's highest tower and the peasant rebels of Timarctus that do not have any relations or connections with House Fortis, took a House Fortis flag from one of the soldiers and on their own accord, hoisted it up on where the previous flag was flown.

Fang directed a questioning look at Commander Berwick, the latter smiled in reply "we rebels will always stay peasants since we have no experience in governing a province, so we decided that the best choice we have is to allow your House to govern us since what we have seen from House Fortis, we couldn't have  dreamt of seeing in another noble house of the Empire" he said sincerely.

The Temporary Commander-in-Chief smiled at that "and it would be a great honor to govern such heroic people like those of Timarctus" he stated as he saw the people of Goldbarn celebrating in the streets, happy that their nightmare is over.

back to the present, Count Leo in Ifeland,

Count Leo nodded his head in thanks with a small smile on his face, he could see that Marquis Douglas was not the cruel, rude and snobby person he always heard the Imperial propaganda messengers babble about in his court "My Congratulation for House Miranti for their victorious battles against other lowly governors" he replied back politely.

He felt sorry for the Emperor after hearing from the attendant sent to escort them about his sickness, after scoffing at the way the gatekeeper of the inner palace treated their escort and then smirking when he was threatened by the person now identified as Minister Herald, they entered into the palace where their escort left them there, he was surprised when they were greeted by no other than the beautiful Empress herself, after bowing in respect at her she escorted them to her husband's room.

The Emperor was laying in his extravagant silky bed, but sat up slightly when he saw the governors enter, Leo bowed in respect again at the Emperor who looked paler than what he remembered, he hopped that this was just a natural sickness and not a dirty trick, already knowing who would do such a thing if it was the latter, he thought growling lowly.

He heard the Emperor ordering them to speak, he decided to stay silent for now as he wanted to hear what Marquis Douglas have to say.

"Report! General, the eastern wall is under attack!"

General Percival jumped from his seat before cursing under his breath. It seemed like the damned imperial army had finally arrived. It was also humiliating how he had completely forgotten about the hill located at the east of City Pegasus. Rushing out of his tent, he took off his helmet and mopped his brow before climbing up the watchtower. As he surveyed the battlefield, he did a quick analysis of the enemy's tactics before climbing down.

He thought, We cannot afford to confront the enemy now when their morale is high. Let’s see, judging from their formation, it seems like they are anxious for a quick battle. I shall not fall into their trap then. I will seal the gates and avoid battle. I am sure Valin is aware that a prolonged siege will cost him greatly in terms of time, money, resources and lives. As long as I can hold for a few more days, their morale will be shaken. By then, I shall muster all my forces and meet Valin’s army in battle, crushing them.

He barked to the colonels beside him, “You, lead your battalion and reinforce the eastern gate. You, seal up all the gates and await orders.”
Upon seeing the governors enter his bedroom, Emperor Damian rose from his bed and said, "My dear sirs, to speak the truth, I am not ill. I trust you, for all of you have willingly took the risk to come pay homage to me despite knowing that the imperial edict was issued by Devagus in my name.  However, as the entire palace is filled with Devagus’s spies, I have no choice but to summon all of you here. My bedroom is one of the only places left in the palace that is out of reach to them.”

As tears started to form, Emperor Damian gently touched his bed as he continued, “This is the only place where I dare to speak freely. On the very first day I ascended the throne, I was reduced to nothing but a toy. Loyalists were killed wantonly while the ladies in the palace were defiled on a regular basis.”

Forcing a smile, he said, “After the death of Devon, the situation improved slightly. In fact, Devagus has never mistreated me. He has provided me with more than enough clothing, food and jades. However, he is much more cunning than his father. He behaves as if he is the Emperor and controls me to command the regional lords.”

He dropped to his knees, he cried out, “When the time is ripe, Devagus will definitely kill me and usurp the throne. While he holds the title of Chancellor, he is in reality the main traitor of the Empire. I have summoned you here so that I can tell you this. Please, go forth and summon your troops to rescue the people of the Empire.” 
It was long past the autumn harvest. The soldiers finally had the chance to enjoy the rest that they so deserved. On the other hand, the civil officials serving under Duke Jeremy were having a busy time as it was the period for the collection of taxes and the resupplying of storage silos. Led by the talented Aiden, they handled the internal affairs of their liege’s lands with great care, ensuring that there was a proper distribution of manpower and resources. They understood that they were shouldering great responsibility as winter was setting in and a simple mistake can easily cause many innocent peasants to starve.

As Eusebius entered Duke Jeremy’s court, he bowed and said, “My Lord, General Emir requests for an audience. He claims to be an emissary of House Miranti.”

Duke Jeremy raised his eyebrow and said, “Isn’t Emir the general who single-handedly slay Travis and was credited for the retreat of ten thousand over Ifeland troops?”

Antonidas laughed and said, “Indeed, My Lord. It seems like Marquis Douglas has finally decided to persuade you in making a prompt decision to participate in a joint attack against Chancellor Devagus and his imperial army. My Lord, I propose that you grant him an audience so that we will be able to decide whether we will be participating in the invasion of Ifeland after hearing what he has to say.”

Duke Jeremy stroked his beard and said, “Very well. Summon General Emir.”

As ordered, a servant called out, “His Excellency summons General Emir to court!”

Lacking any reaction from the city it was time to begin the next phase of the attack. Burn them alive!

The order was swift and sure. The siege crews briefly halted and and exchanged the bombard rocks for straw in half of the catapults, and oil in the others. Captain Aldus stood at the head of the archers. Volley! The oil catapults launched their loads high in an attempt to get it over the walls. Second!

The straw now lit was launched moments after the oil canisters in an attempt to set the city ablaze.

General Percival pursed his lips after realizing that his strategy of hiding behind city walls had been countered through the use of fire. Knowing that to remain in the city would mean certain death, he issued the order to charge out of the city from the northern gate.

As his army marched out from the northern gate of City Pegasus, he waved a flag proudly as the troops rearranged themselves in the wedge formation. An offensive based military formation, the wedge formation was designed to penetrate the enemies’ vanguard. The troops were lined up in the shape of a triangle with a pointed end, with the cavalry in the front and the infantry at the back.

General Percival unsheathed his sword and pointed at Valin’s army, yelling, “Attack!”

Hearing the command, the soldiers charged at the enemy.

As parts of Pegasus near the Eastern Wall were set ablaze Valin knew that the defending commander would need to respond. He had no choice in the matter by this point. Just when he was preparing to order an advance a scout arrived from the north. "General! The enemy has sallied forth from the North gate and are moving to flank to army."

"Curses" was the only phrase that came to mind at this news. "Reform the phalanx to the northern section of the hill. We need a tight defensive spear wall. Archers are to take the high ground near the siege engines. Order the siege engines to intensify and continue their bombardment! Captain Aldus, you may have four catapults. Prepare a gift for the enemy." General Valin spurred around and gave a hand signal to his cavalry which quickly retreated south-east away from the position of the army in an attempt to get out of sight before the opposition approached. If they can succeed in flanking the enemy infantry when they charge they may just cause a significant route.

Captain Aldus took his position at the top of the hill with the archers overlooking the battle, Jon with the main attack infantry, and Amelia with the forward defensive phalanx. As the first signs of the enemy came into range Aldus ordered the archers to fire a volley. They had to delay the advance until the catapults could be repositioned to rain fire on the enemy. Valin's orders were relatively thin but Aldus knew what he intended. Thin the enemy with the archers, divide their forces with the oil and fire, and the cavalry charge and infantry will move in to mop up the forward flank when it is hopefully divided from its comrades.

Valin knew his plan carried a great deal of risk for his front line infantry, but that was also why he placed the Chancellor's men on the front line.

In Ifeland:
The servants arrived with the light refreshments and Douglas noticed that two of them belonged to Wook's retinue, and smiled He'd have never thought to do such a thing, but she was as resourceful as Emir himself was. Turning to the Emperor, as he was served a cup of hot tea, by Imperial servants, Marquis Douglas replied with respect.

As you wish, even now some of us are preparing to do just that. I am certain that come spring everything will be in place, and come next fall the Empire shall again know peace under your rule.

Douglas carefully avoided specifics since he could not be certain of the servants' loyalties, but they soon with drew, though the Miranti servants didn't wander far, and Douglas was able to continue with some more detail. First he sipped his tea, enjoying the warmth after the long journey and rushed preparations to great the Emperor as soon as possible. Tensions were tight here at the palace, with the balance tipping slowly in the Chancellor’s favour. He thought carefully about what he would say, while he took another sip of tea, this was a dangerous game for the Emperor to play.

It may be possible, to end his blight even sooner, if we are careful. How many men doe the chancellor keep in the inner palace? How many men loyal to you are there here? I have brought a small force, but they are the best in my entire army, every man is easily worth any three of the chancellors men. I know my fellow governors have also brought small escorts, perhaps it will be enough to bring Devagus down, if we can bring all our men together quietly and get them to join forces your own guard, we may be able to confront and destroy Devaus while many of his men are deployed elsewhere and his allies are distracted by the governance of their own estates during the harvest and preparations for the coming winter. Be warned your highness, if you risk this and we fail, you will certainly be executed, so consider carefully how you wish to proceed. Perhaps our allies have a simpler plan?

I look to the other governors int the room, seeing the eager light of hope and bloodlust in Count Gerald's eyes, though Count Theodore is less eager, he seems confident, what would Count Leo have to say?


In Aelinmiley:
Emir entered as ordered, and strode purposefully towards the Duke, and stopped at the expected distance, and bowed stiffly at the waist, it was hard to do more when in full armour. He then addressed the Duke in a clear low voice that carried well.

Duke Jeremy, my lord Marquis Douglas requests the pleasure of your presence in the conquest of Ifeland. He believes the Coalition now has the combined might necessary to crush the Chancellor and his armies. What is the Duke's reply?

Emperor Damian sighed and shook his head, saying "I am greatly pleased by your loyalty but most of the guards in the inner palace either belong to or have pledged their allegiance to House Myerson. Even the Commandant of the Imperial Guards, Gladwin, serves under House Myerson. To attempt to assassinate Devagus while he is within the palace is simply futile and suicidal. However, I have a way to help you."

Shifting himself, he tilted his face till his mouth was facing Marquis Douglas's ear before whispering, "I will be entrusting an imperial decree to a loyal official of mine to be passed to you. It shall be done secretly so that the Chancellor will not be aware of this. With the imperial decree, you and the rest of the loyal governors will be able to field an army against Devagus legitimately."

Count Leo stood all this time in complete silence, hearing what the Emperor said made his blood boil, but he didn't show it outwardly, after making sure that the Emperor had finished his whispering to Marquis Douglas, he cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

When he was sure everyone's attention was on him he spoke in a quiet voice "my most honorable Emperor, your father the late Emperor Daegan was someone that I was proud to call a friend, he would always insist on helping my House in getting its lands back, but me being a Proud Fortis would always refuse politely, until one day he told me 'I'm going to order my army to march on Blencathra with or without your help or acceptance, so stop being such a stubborn Lion' he said it in such a casual way that I couldn't help but comply" he said with a small smile remembering the old days.

The smile was short lived as what happened next hit him "but it never happened, because the next day I received the news of his death" he grinded his teeth "at his funeral I promised him while he was set in peace that by the honor of the Lions, I and my descendants will always protect his offspring" his said while his wrinkled knuckles turned white from the pressure he kept on the them "But I broke that promise, by allowing the damned Usurper to kill his son, your brother Emperor Daylon" he said in disgust "even if I had ordered most of House Fortis warriors to join the coup against the Usurper led by then Duke Devon and other warlords, I still felt that I betrayed my dear friend for allowing his twelve years old son to be killed in the first place" he said sadly.

He moved closer to the younger Emperor and mimicked him by dropping to his knee not caring that the sudden drop have caused his old back to protest or that he was showing a sign of weakness to the other governors "Please forgive me, because from the day Chancellor Devon have initiated the chancellorship placing you as a figurehead" he said while looking down at the Emperor feet, avoiding eye contact "I selfishly clenched to the hope that he wont hurt you, because you already got huge support from the rest of the empire. I only cared about my House and getting back Blencathra. taking the cowardly way of staying neutral instead of joining the Coalition" he said as he stood.

He faced Marquis Douglas "Yes, House Fortis had always despised Chancellor Devon and now his son Devagus, but never shown it outright since we had one of the smallest armies in the whole realm" he said in confirmation.

He faced he Emperor with determination "but now this is all in the past, the Lions will not hide in their dens anymore" he said with confidence "as we are speaking my House most probably annexed Timarctus, overthrowing the chancellor-supporting House of Montgomery" he said proudly and then turned again to the Marquis "I will send a letter to Duke Jeremy, requesting to join the coalition and together we will free our great Emperor from his prison!" he exclaimed with a small exhausted smile.

Duke Jeremy replied solemnly, "I am afraid you may not be enjoying my presence in the upcoming invasion. I have certain concerns that have yet to be resolved."

Antonidas continued, "Emir, what my lord meant is that we should not forget that Devagus is currently holding the Emperor hostage.  Should Devagus be alarmed by our armies, will the Emperor's life not be in danger? In addition, the provinces that my lord currently possesses are all Eastern Provinces. If my lord decide to mobilize our army and invade Ifeland, our troops will have to travel a significantly long distance and be exhausted by the time we arrive there while Devagus's troops will be well rested and ready to fight with us. I am sure my lord will reconsider it if you can settle his concerns."

Antonidas added the final sentence as a hint to General Emir that it was a test set up by Duke Jeremy. If Emir had nothing but empty words, it would prove that House Miranti did not possess as strong an army as he had claimed. If that was true, it would only mean that House Champlin would be providing the bulk of the allied armies. This would prove unfavourable for House Champlin after the ousting of Chancellor Devagus as Duke Jeremy had no intentions of continuing to uphold the Heinrich Dynasty. This would cause Duke Jeremy to decline to participate in the invasion.
Chancellor Devagus was reading reports when a fearsome man entered his private residence. He wore a polished armour and his sword shone brightly. He was none other than Gladwin, Commandant of the Imperial Guards. As the strongest warrior serving under Devagus, he had exhibited his physical prowess in many battles, slaying many famed generals who were once believed to be invincible. He was the Champion of House Myerson, an invaluable asset of Devagus.

Greeting his liege, Gladwin said in a gruff voice, "My Lord, His Majesty has fallen sick and has summoned Douglas, Gerald, Theodore and Leo to pay him a visit."

With his eyes still focused on the scrolls, Devagus replied, "I am aware of this. Bring 30 imperial guards with you and wait for me outside the Emperor's residence. In the event that any minister caught sight of you, just tell him that you have been tasked with eliminating a traitor of the Empire."

Gladwin replied, "As you command."

In Ifeland:

Douglas heard and understood, but didn't believe that his best men wouldn't prove a sufficient challenge for the guards, most of whom had never seen actual combat before as it had been nearly two generations since the last attack on the capitol. The men were certainly well trained, but they lacked the keen edge of battle hardened troops. Still, the emperor himself knew only what Douglas had told him and what he had seen himself, so he could not fault the boy for doubting the ability of his men. He kept silent as Count Fortis gave his monologue and declared his intentions of supporting the lords in defeating the Chancellor and fighting to restore the Heinrich dynasty. That would help, but unless the emperor either agreed to leave the citadel-city or else Chancellor Devagus was removed, then the dynasty was as good as dead, since Devagus would not hesitate to kill the emperor as soon as the emperor stopped being a convenient pawn. Viscount Douglas tried once more to rouse the emperor to either fight or flee, knowing the two would appear very similar to the Imperial court.

Your majesty, you cannot stay here. Devagus will kill you before our armies can depose him and you are the last of your line. He will try to use you to keep us under his thumb, if you don't act  now. our very presence here endangers your life. I do not ask you to choose a hasty, desperate action, my men and the men of my allies are ready to defend you to the death. Few of those with us carry arms, openly, but arms can be acquired with ease if we act quickly. I only ask your permission to help you take back your empire, your highness. If  you cannot give it, then I fear...

Just then the two Miranti servants burst into the room quickly closing the door behind them, one of them announcing in a harsh whisper that over twenty guards, led by Gladwin, were now moving towards the emperor's residence and all of them wore full arms and armour. Viscount Douglas bit his tongue to keep from swearing as he turned to hear the emperor's response. This was not going as he'd hoped, but it was going about exactly as he had expected and planned for.

In Aelinmiley:

Emir should have known the Viscount would be looking out only for himself, well so be it. Fighting on two fronts was going to be a pain, but if this man was going to rip everything to pieces for the sake of hi own glory, it would have to be done. Emir snorted contemptuously and replied with open scorn and disdain.

Have his troops suffered some sudden malady? They performed so well this summer constantly marching from one field of battle to the next and never once suffering a defeat, or even coming close to suffering even a minor set back in all it's campaigning. Surely they haven't all been turned into weakling worms to be eaten by mere birds? As to the first, His highness will be in no less danger if we remain distant, so I am forced to wonder... Has Jeremy, the great leader of our coalition, lost his nerve or worse been bought by the Chancellor Devalgus? Or is he simply willing to stand by while another takes the glory of Capturing Ifeland? I didn't think him willing to bow to any man, which he must surely do if he is not with us to invade Ifeland. If we lose, the Chancellor will crush him once he stands alone, if we win, then he will have to swear loyalty to the new Emperor, the conqueror of Ifeland.

The coalition marches on the 2nd new moon of next year, If  your forces are not capable of joining us, you will be missed, but certainly not needed.

Emir stormed from the room, almost daring one of the gauards to try something, so he could rip him limb from limb, but none did, and so he left faster than he'd arrived, and was now being forced to consider leaving substantial forces behind to defend Miranti lands while Ifeland was toppled.

Emperor Damian's eyes widened when he heard that Gladwin had led more than twenty guards and were heading towards his residence. If it had happened months ago, he would have been sure that his head would be left intact. But now, with the regional warlords tearing the Empire apart in their struggles for power and dominance, he could no longer be sure he would be able to continue staying alive, much less retain his position. Paralyzed with fear, he could only shiver as he pondered over his imminent death. He had witnessed the slaughter of the loyalists who dared to openly oppose the tyranny of House Myerson. Now, it seemed like they had finally come for him, the tool that was once an invaluable asset that was used to command the regional warlords. For the first time in his life, he made a decision without hesitation.

Closing his eyes, he said, “Very well. If you can guarantee me and my consort’s safe passage from the Imperial Palace to the place where you claim to be much safer for me, I shall go with you. However, how will we handle the current situation?”
Duke Jeremy was enraged by Emir’s disrespectful remarks. His insolence was truly intolerable. That imbecile actually had the audacity to insult him. Had it not been for the ancient practice of never killing emissaries even in times of war, he would have ordered his guards to behead him. It was saddening that he could only scowl as Emir stomped out of his court.

Unsheathing his sword, he sliced off a part of his table and proclaimed, “How dare that fool hold me in such contempt! If I ever get my hands on him, I will make sure he ends up the same as this table of mine.”

Antonidas bowed and attempted to placate his liege, saying “My Lord, please calm down. I am sure that as a sagacious leader, you are aware that Emir had intentionally provoked you earlier. He kept implying on the redundancy of our participation but was actually worried if you would decide not to participate in the upcoming invasion of Ifeland. Truth be told, he fears that while the rest of the Coalition are fighting against Chancellor Devagus and his imperial army, we will take the opportunity to annex the lands of House Miranti.”

There were signs that Duke Jeremy had finally cooled down. He sighed, "Indeed. I have been foolish."

Antonidas replied, “My Lord, I must add that certain points Emir had raised earlier are concerning. Thus, I would like to propose that we mobilize at least 30,000 troops and at most 50,000 troops to participate in the invasion.”

Duke Jeremy nodded and replied, "Very well. Antonidas, you shall write a letter to all the other Houses in the Coalition to declare our participation."